Navy to commission “Mangrol”, third anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft from Cochin Shipyard
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Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard, was set for commissioning on 12 October 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. It has over 80% indigenous content, carries the Abhay hull-mounted sonar and Maareech torpedo decoy, and uses waterjet propulsion for shallow coastal waters.
- Ship
- Mangrol, 3rd ASW-SWC
- Builder
- Cochin Shipyard
- Commissioning
- 12 Oct 2026, Mumbai
- Indigenous
- 80%+
ASW shallow water craft Mangrol: what happened?
Big warships struggle in shallow coastal water, yet submarines can lurk near ports. Small, quick anti-submarine craft fill that gap.
- Mangrol, the third ASW Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, was set to be commissioned on 12 Oct 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai [PIB].
- It has over 80% indigenous content [PIB].
What does an ASW shallow water craft do?
- Detects and counters submarines in coastal and shallow waters, protects ports and harbour approaches, and can do underwater surveillance and mine-warfare tasks.
- It works with maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other warships.
- The name revives INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served until 7 April 2004.
Why does ASW shallow water craft Mangrol matter?
- Security: Coastal anti-submarine defence.
- Industry: 80%+ indigenous; Make in India in shipbuilding.
What can Prelims ask on ASW shallow water craft Mangrol?
- Abhay = hull-mounted sonar; Maareech = torpedo decoy system.
- Builder CSL, Kochi; third of the class.
- Mangrol is in Junagadh district, Gujarat.
Image: Government of India, Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India
How to use this in Mains
If asked: Assess the role of indigenisation in strengthening India's coastal defence. (GS-III)
Quote: “It has over 80% indigenous content, carries the Abhay hull-mounted sonar and Maareech torpedo decoy, and uses waterjet propulsion for shallow coastal waters.”
Use it: A ready example with specifics on indigenous content and systems.
Exam angle
Prelims: ship systems and names. · Mains GS-III: defence indigenisation, maritime security.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Maareech, fitted on Indian naval ships, is a
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB, 9 Oct 2026: Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.
Mangrol, after which the new ASW craft is named, is a coastal town in
Answer (c) & explanation
Junagadh district, Gujarat.
Questions students ask about this
What is Mangrol?
The third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft of the Indian Navy, built by Cochin Shipyard.
What is Maareech?
An advanced torpedo decoy system fitted on Mangrol.
How much of Mangrol is indigenous?
Over 80%.
Keep studying
Official source: PIB, Ministry of Defence: Indian Navy set to commission ASW-SWC Mangrol, 9 Oct 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending